"These students want to know how to answer questions presented during job interviews," Gowin said. "We ask applicants to discuss their weaknesses and those items can be difficult to answer. I like an applicant to bring forward something significant that they're working on and then have a plan in place to counteract a weakness."

Ultrasonic Power CEO Judy Thompson said job applicants have to sell themselves, define themselves and find the best possible way to display their character and their skills.

"I learned what these companies expect from a job applicant and what they want from an employee," said Freeport High School junior Tristan Rosenstiel. "I consider myself to be a hard worker and that is exactly what these companies are looking for. They want employees to be at work on time, to be dependable and to be motivated. I feel like I'm what they want and I'm excited about moving ahead."

FHS college and career adviser Jeanette Diddens said the day's priority was for students to understand the importance of workforce skills.

"I saw a real motivational correlation today," Diddens said. "Linking the students with real employers talking about real job opportunities gave them the opportunity to see reality, and I could actually see the motivation connection that they seemed to be lacking previously."